Vendors on the crowded Allimal Street in Tiruchi’s shopping district are doing brisk business in poll-related merchandise as flags, scarves, and banners bearing party logos and leaders’ images are in great demand in the run-up to the Assembly elections.

Allimal Street is home to wholesalers of plastic disposables and decoration items. “We are seeing a growing demand for election-related material from party workers and individual customers since March. A lightweight cloth scarf dyed in party colours has become a big hit. We have multi-coloured versions to suit the particular political party,” V. Rakul, proprietor, Lakshmi Paper Store, told The Hindu.

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The store, which has been in business for over 50 years, has stocked up on election merchandise sourced from suppliers in Tirupur and Erode.

At least four more shops along the street dealing in similar items were crowded with customers on Saturday. Merchandise included posters, and with an eye on the hot summer, hand-held fans with leaders’ pictures on them.

The merchandise is priced upwards of ₹20, depending on size and material, said the vendors. Most shops maintain social media accounts to advertise their latest additions, and look for design inspiration.

“People keep looking for the next novelty in political merchandise. This year, we have requests for the ‘thoranam’, a foldable streamer. Small polyester cloth flags with party logos are in great demand, besides badges that can be customised to specific party requirements,” said Mr. Rakul.

Fans of actor Vijay and potential voters of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) have brought a new buzz to the merchandise market, said shopkeepers.

“Mementos like pen-stands, key chains, and standees (vertical display stands) with the actor’s image on it are being ordered in significant numbers by TVK followers. The higher price range of customised merchandise does not deter them,” said Amutha Siva, proprietor, Thirumalai Printers and The Prink, in Pugalia Pillai Street, Rock Fort.